The Best Time to Get MLB Autographs on Game Day

byMatt RaymondonMarch 14, 2014

As a New Englander, the first sign that winter’s death grip is loosening comes from a ballpark over 1,000 miles away in Florida. Spring training is underway and while the snow in my backyard may persist past Opening Day, a new season is nearly upon us. A new graphing season that is. And as baseball teams figure out how to improve on the previous year’s performance, you too should think about your autograph game plan for 2014. I put together the following guide to help ensure you get more hits than strikeouts (or at least an All-Star-caliber batting average).
This guide isn’t a straightforward as the NBA playbook from a year ago—major league baseball teams simply operate on a schedule with a lot more variability. The result? Your time commitment is probably going to be more significant and you are constantly taking risks based on incomplete information and… well, your gut. But let’s focus on the positive—baseball offers many more chances during the season (heck, the series) to get that coveted player’s autograph. Here is a rundown of those opportunities.

Arrival (Evening Before the Game)
If the visiting team has an off-day before the start of the series expect them to arrive to the hotel early evening—around 5 p.m.—giving players time to have dinner, relax and get a good night’s rest. You’re faced with a number of challenges in this first graphing opportunity. First, the team comes off the bus all at once and the number of collectors is usually low. Less competition sounds like a good thing but it actually makes graphing multiple players difficult. Players often stop and pick up their bags—it slows them down but also gives them a convenient excuse not to sign (i.e., full hands). Your best bet is to stick around and wait for players to head out for dinner and hope they’re in an accommodating mood. Odds are you’re in for a late night.

In the event of a back-to-back game, you can estimate arrival time with the following equation:

Time game ends + 1.5 hours (postgame interviews/travel to airport) + duration of flight + travel time to hotel = Arrival time

Before the Game (Hotel)
Unlike NBA teams who take two scheduled buses, many major league players take taxis to the ballpark before the charters arrive. To further complicate matters, the range of times during which they leave can be extremely wide. You may see a player head to lunch around noon and then take a taxi from the eatery directly to the park. Others—particularly starting pitchers who won’t play that night—may not head out until after 3 p.m. As a general rule you’ll see members of the coaching staff beginning around 12 p.m. and a bulk of the roster between one and three o’clock. If you’re willing to put the time in you have an excellent shot at the entire team as they depart individually or in small groups.

Before the Game (Ballpark)
Huge group of graphers at the team hotel? You may decide to take your chances at the ballpark on the receiving end of those taxis (and buses). Unless you have a comrade at the hotel who can tip you off when a players leaves—and in what type of vehicle—you’re going to be testing your reaction time to see how quickly you can pull an item out when a target steps out of a taxi. I suggest you do a dry run to get the lay of the land at your local ballpark. At Fenway there are at least three possible entrances a player could use, adding to the complexity of pregame graphing at the ballpark.
If you’re waiting for a team bus, access varies depending on the venue. (Count Fenway out—they drive into a fenced off area.)

We’ve been talking about getting visiting player graphs thus far, but pregame at the park offers your first opportunity to get home players. In Boston, several players live nearby and walk to the stadium. You also may have luck with the players’ parking lot depending on the setup. During your dry run, make sure to scope out which direction(s) they arrive from and the level of accessibility once they park. The home team is usually in by 3:30 p.m. but each player has his own habits. Show up a few times and you’ll get to know their preferences.

Inside the Ballpark
As kids this is where we got signatures from our heroes. We all have memories of hanging over the railing while screaming out players’ names with a baseball in our hand. It still affords a graphing opportunity, particularly between the dugout and outfield where players return from stretching, spring and shagging fly balls. On the infield side of the dugout you face obstacles, including community groups and media blocking the path of players heading in from that direction. Some players only sign at the ballpark and you’ll get to know their habits (usually after being denied multiple times at the hotel!).

Postgame (Ballpark)
About twenty minutes after the game ends you may see the first players trickle out of the ballpark. The bus will leave about an hour after the last out. Stake out the same entry spots used by athletes who took taxis before the game. Keep your eyes peeled because the postgame crowd will obstruct your sight lines and cause confusion. Remember that scene in Skyfall when Bond is looking for Silva in the subway terminal? That will be you, over and over again.

You may also get lucky with the home team—basically, it’s the pregame ritual in reverse but after the game players will be traveling—whether by car or on foot—at a less leisurely pace (because they’re tired, with family, headed to a meal, etc.).

Postgame (Hotel)
With the exception of the last game of the series (when the team will head directly to the airport), postgame at the hotel provides decent opportunities, particularly if it happens to be a day game. The returning cabs and buses give you a shot at the entire team but fatigue is a factor (not just from participating in the game, but signing autographs throughout the day). Again, the ideal scenario is that players go out and you have multiple chances when they leave and return to the hotel. In 2009 I got Johan Santana on a ball and Jose Reyes on a bat at 3 a.m. when they returned from a long, late night out on the town. When graphing, patience pays off. But, you have to be willing to accept the cost.

When and where is your favorite time and place to get MLB autographs on game day?

Hey Adir – it really depends on the player. Star or not, everyone has their own routine. It’s not like hoops when you can count on the big names taking the second bus. As for the crowd, get there earlier and/or stay there later. At noon you won’t see the crowd that you will at 2pm or 3pm. And if you stick it out until midnight (or later) you may catch some guys coming back from dinner/drinks when other collectors have thrown in the towel.

Hi James, I’d adjust the 7pm times ahead by at least 3 hours (perhaps 4 to be safe) on Opening Day as players may head to the park earlier with various festivities and to allow a bit more time to get acclimated.

So I’m doing my first official mlb autographing tomorrow in chicago vs boston. What time would u say the away teams buses would for sure be gone from the hotel? I’ve done nba & know the last bus is for sure gone by 2 hours before the game. Just trying 2 get an idea for the mlb teams. I am aware some players leave earlier in taxis or personal cars just trying 2 get a good idea thanks

Hi Jacob, I don’t have that information. My advice is to get out there and network with local graphers. That is valuable info so you need to build relationships. Start by going to publicized signings – for example, they’re doing a bunch of signings in Times Square with the draftees.

Thanks I actually did my first graphing at the Braves mets game last night and got Justin Upton on a romlb with the sweet spot jacket. I also got craig kimbrel and Jason Heyward on photos. I am going to the game tomorrow night and wanted to ask you if I get bj upton should I get it on the same ball modifying the sweet spot jacket so he had to sign on the top panel or get it on a different ball. Thanks jacob

Hey I was wondering if you had any specific tips on getting autographs in Philly. They are playing the Giants tom and I don’t know what to get to get signed any ideas and where I could find them. Thanks and go Giants!

Every hotel layout and level of security is different. That said, your best bet is probably on the sidewalk between the hotel entrance and the bus. You’re out of range from hotel security – for the most part – and you still have time to get the graphs.

I have tickets to Jeter’s last ever game. It will be in Fenway. I know there will be tons of people trying to get his autograph so the adds are against me. Any suggestions for pregame? I wont go to the hotel I will be at the field as early as i need to be. First pitch is at 1:35. I will be in the stadium at 11:30am. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Cool opportunity, Stephen. I think you just have to prepare as well as possible – get down to the field ASAP and try to make your arms as long as possible I’d probably go with a ball as an item. It’s going to be a madhouse – let us know how you do. And even if you don’t get a graph, enjoy the moment (and that’s coming from a Red Sox fan).

Just curious as to how I can find out team hotel info or flight info (i’m assuming they are private flights, not listed)? I live in KC and little brother is huge Red Sox fan, trying to get pedrioa’s autograph. have tried the ballpark route the past few years with no luck. any advice would be great.

I’m going to a signing next week for a MLB player. I have a phot I want to get signed. I notice at the ballparks other Graphers have their photo on a cardboard like with tape on the edges.. I’m assuming so it prevents from bending. How should I prep my photo n what materials should u use to do it.?

If it’s a sit-down signing there really shouldn’t be any prep needed. Just have something rigid to put your photo in after it dries. I typically use a cardboard photo mailer that is open on one side. At a signing, I’d bring along an 8×11 plastic sheet with a backing board – something like this: http://www.autographu.com/the-best-way-to-store-your-autographed-photos/

Hey Matt,
There are a few Sports Illustrated magazines I have that feature some Royals players that I’d love to get signed by them. I just don’t know how to store the magazine(s) once they get signed, or even before they get signed. Do I keep the magazine or do I just take out the cover and place it over something hard like cardboard? Thanks for any help!

Hey Matt,
I go to a handful of games at Fenway a year and always love to get autographs. Where is the best spot to get Sox autographs and visiting players’ autogrpahs? Also, do you know if any players who are shagging fly balls during BP will sign then?
Thanks,
Sam

I am going to be in Boston Labor Day weekend. Would ideally like to get some Red Sox auto’s on Sunday September 6th (1:30game time). May or may not go to the game. I’ve read your article. Not interested in Phillies. I hear there is three players entrances. The players parking lot looks so well shielded that it doesn’t seem doable. If you can say what you feel is best bet, what would it be?

hey matt
im going to the bulls vs mavs preseason game in lincoln nebraska oct 23rd whats the best time to get pics with stars should i try the airport when they arrive if so what time would that be or should i try to find the hotel there staying at and if so what hotel would that be

Hey Matt I will be attending spring training this year for the SF Giants March 17 th .I know February is better for autographs but is March still good and on days they play at night do they practice during the day? Or is it like a regular game day where your only chance is a few hours before the game? Thx for your feedback

Do you happen to know where the angels could possibly be staying in July during their Boston trip ?? It’s going to be our first trip from California to Boston. What suggestions you have for autographs ? Thank You So Much.

I have been to an angels@d backs game and almost got Mike Trout’s autograph. What I learned is that right after warm ups, trout will sign right next to the dugout and will only sign a few things. So, you should stand in the front row, be right next to the dugout, and yell for him as loud as you can. Good luck.

Hi! I’m going to the Indians @ Astros tonight which starts at 7:10 p.m. I am hoping to get pregame autographs from Kluber, Lindor, and Carrasco. What time do you recommend I arrive at Minute Maid to get those autographs?

Hi Matt I’m taking my son to the home run derby in SD @ petco park it starts at 5 pm and they have a all star red carpet show at 12 pm do you think the players leave to the stadium a lil later cuz it’s not a real game or they still leave hours before and do you have any tips about where they enter at petco park. Would I have a better chance waiting at the hotel or outside of petco park to get a autograph any help would be appreciate thanks Matt

Not a proffesional autograph seeker! Taking my son, a NYM fan to see them play the Nationals in DC next week. His dream is to meet Matt Harvey and Yoenis Cespedes. I don’t want to let him down. Can you tell me where they stay while in DC.
TIA

I am going to the astros vs mariners game at minute maid park. I really want jose altuve, Carlos Correa, and George Springer’s autograph but mostly I want Correa’s autograph. The only time I can be there for autographs is right after warm ups/right before the game. Where exactly do you think I should stand to get Correa’s autograph and how should I get the others to sign my ball. Lastly, I have a rawlings r8u baseball do you think I could use for getting a signature with a black autograph pen( it’s basically a sharpie)

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